When it comes to cuisine, there’s maybe nothing more basic — or more characteristically American — than the hamburger. Yet East Valley restaurants that serve up a truly memorable burger are, sadly, few and far between.
So when Simply Burgers recently opened at McQueen and Elliot roads in Gilbert, we wasted no time in checking out this fast-casual burger bistro.
What's your beef?
Stepping up to one of two ordering counters, we check out the menu and discover that, with the exception of a couple of salads, Simply Burgers offers only burgers, sides and drinks — although their definition of “burgers” is a somewhat loose interpretation.
Traditional hamburgers, made with either Angus or Kobe beef, are available in quarter- and half-pound sizes. There also are “burgers” made from chicken, turkey, tuna and salmon, as well as veggie and vegan varieties.
After placing our order and paying, we’re given a buzzer to alert us when our food is ready to be picked up. This proves unnecessary when, 10 minutes later, one of the staffers delivers the food to our table.
Have it your way
We start with one of Simply’s combo meals: a quarter-pound Angus burger, fries and a medium drink ($6.59). The burger is tasty and the toppings are fresh, but an unremarkable bun adds nothing to an otherwise enjoyable sandwich.
For fries, we’re given the option of french fries, sweet potato fries or a half-and-half order. We choose the third option and are rewarded with a heaping portion of well-seasoned orange and golden fries
From Simply’s menu of speciality burgers, we opt for the Philly Burger ($6.99), a half-pound of Angus beef covered with provolone cheese, grilled onions and red and green peppers on a sub roll, with a side of onion rings ($3.39).
Among the nonbeef “burgers,” the Chicken Tikka Burger ($6.59), an Indian-spiced chicken breast, has an unusual but pleasant flavor. It’s a little dry, but comes with a side of mint-and-mango chutney.
The verdict
In our humble estimation, Simply Burgers doesn’t quite rank up there with East Valley’s best burger joints, but its variety of above-average offerings will lure us back when we’re in the neighborhood.
Sample menu
Burger: Kobe Burger, a half-pound American Kobe beef burger, with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Simply dressing ($4.79)
Speciality burger: Barnyard Burger, a half-pound Angus beef burger, topped with slice of ham and fried eggs ($6.59)
Other “burger”: Chicken Tikka Burger, a chicken breast infused with Tikka spice, with mint-and-mango chutney ($6.59)
Side order: Half-and-half fries, french fries and sweet potato fries ($2.49)
Dessert: Fried cheesecake, with ice cream and topped with strawberry sauce ($2.99)
Simply Burgers
Where: 1455 W. Elliot Road, Gilbert
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday
to Saturday
Prices: Burgers, $3.49-$7.49; specialty burgers, $5.75-$8.99; sides, $1.50-$3.39; salads, $4.75-$8.99
Info: (480) 634-4343 or simply-burgers.com
